He was speaking at Onuku Marae in Akaroa yesterday, where he had controversially decided to spend Waitangi Day instead of heading to Waitangi to join other political leaders.
Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro was also at the marae.
Mr Luxon spent much of his speech revisiting Ngāi Tahu’s historic Treaty settlement in 1998, which was achieved in the face of "enormous challenges".
"And yet, through persistence, resilience and a commitment to your people, you have created a legacy that inspires us all."
While the Onuku celebrations were in the limelight, hundreds of southerners, including senior representatives of Ngāi Tahu and a wide range of local political figures, enjoyed the iwi’s official southern Waitangi Day commemorations held in Queenstown.
Every third year, the official southern event moves inland, rotating around communities in Otago and Southland.
Queenstown was the host this year for the first time since 2019.
A powhiri at 9.45am was followed by two hours of kapa haka and other on-stage performances, and a relatively mild panel discussion that focused on the meaning of Te Tiriti o Waitangi — the Treaty of Waitangi — in today’s New Zealand.
In Akaroa, Mr Luxon said Onuku Marae was "a place of deep significance", not only for Ngāi Tahu, but for the entire nation.
"Because it is here Ngāi Tahu chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi 185 years ago, laying the foundation for what was hoped would be a lasting partnership.
"And here, in this very place, my predecessor as prime minister, Dame Jenny Shipley, delivered the Crown apology to Ngāi Tahu.
"Reconciliation has paved the way for the iwi’s success, prosperity and cultural revitalisation."
The prime minister also made a brief reference to the Treaty Principles Bill, promising once again it would not become law.
It was important Treaty promises were honoured and it had to be done in a way that brought the nation closer together "rather than pulling [it] apart", he said.
Ngāi Tahu had endured more than 100 years of adversity and become "disconnected from their land and people" after signing the Treaty, Mr Luxon said.
"But despite this, you never gave up."
"You continued to fight for recognition, justice and the restoration of what was lost — to preserve your culture, language, and identity," the prime minister said.
A Treaty settlement almost 27 years ago had provided the chance to rebuild and become "a thriving iwi".
"Today, Ngāi Tahu is a tremendous force in New Zealand’s economy — driving change across property, tourism, fisheries and agriculture.
"But the success goes beyond profit — it’s about creating lasting value for whanau and the wider community."
He expressed a wish for today’s children to have the opportunity to be successful in their own country.
"That’s why our focus must be on shared prosperity. And when Māori communities succeed, all of New Zealand benefits."
A dawn ceremony marked the beginning of Waitangi Day commemorations at Te Whare Runanga Marae on the upper Treaty grounds.
Celebrations included a flag-raising ceremony and the traditional waka parade.
Ngā waka o Te Tai Tokerau chairman Robert Gabel said he believed this year’s turnout of 24 waka at Waitangi equalled the record set in 1990.
Ngāpuhi rangatira Hone Sadler recited a waerea (protective karakia) to clear the path for the dawn to rise, heralding the day.
Mr Sadler led a delegation of politicians and officials down the centre of the rows of chairs to the mahau (porch) of Te Whare Rūnanga for the dawn ceremony.
Several opposition leaders continued to criticise Mr Luxon for not making an appearance at Waitangi this year.
— RNZ/APL
